Uses
This combination medication is used to treat a certain type of acne (acne vulgaris). It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop.Clindamycin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can also stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria and also works by causing the skin to dry and peel. Adapalene belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. Adapalene works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.
How to use Adapalene 0.15 %-Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1 %-Clindamycin 1.2 % Topical Gel
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication. Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Wash your hands after each use.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid using this medication around your eyes, nose folds, inside your nose or mouth, or on any areas of broken skin unless directed by your doctor. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Use this product carefully, and avoid contact with hair, clothing, and furnishings.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use a larger amount or use this drug more often than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
Side Effects
Skin redness, dryness, peeling, mild burning/stinging, swelling, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 4 weeks of using this product. These effects usually get better as you keep using it. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your doctor may want you to use a moisturizer, use the product less often, or have you stop using it.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and very rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to adapalene; or to benzoyl peroxide; or to clindamycin; or to lincomycin; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eczema, certain intestinal problems (such as regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe diarrhea with past antibiotic use).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this product. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin.
Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication. Adapalene may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when used on the skin. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug are: other acne skin treatments (such as tretinoin, dapsone).
Avoid using other skin products that are harsh, irritating, or drying on the treated area. These products include hair perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as astringents, toners, shaving lotion), medicated or abrasive soaps or cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect (such as alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid), and products containing sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid.
If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, use this product with caution. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using this product.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store the container upright at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat. Discard any unused medication by the expiration date provided by your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.